A DIET RICH IN BEANS, WHOLE GRAINS, AND SOY PRODUCTS may help keep blood pressure in check. In a study of 4,680 adults, scientists found that a 5% higher intake of glutamic acid--the predominant amino acid in these nonanimal sources of protein--helped reduce blood pressure by up to 4.1 total points. To increase your glutamic acid intake, eat like a vegetarian once a week: Choose a black bean burger over beef, or stir-fry tofu instead of pork.